FAST FACTS

Philadelphia Marathon weekend takes place November 17 to 19 with four different races.

The Health and Fitness Expo runs on November 17 and 18 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

The main 26.2-mile marathon event unfolds on Sunday, November 19 at 7 a.m.

The marathon route crosses neighborhoods including Old City, Queen Village, Center City and Manayunk.

The city is going to be electric all weekend long, and especially on Sunday, when more than 60,000 spectators are expected to cheer on more than 30,000 participants. Check out all of the top spectator spots below along with the details about other fun events surrounding the race.

(Photo courtesy the Philadelphia Marathon)

Here’s when to watch the races…

Philadelphia Marathon: Sunday, November 19, 7 a.m. kickoff

Philadelphia Half-Marathon: Saturday, November 18, 7:30 a.m. kickoff

Rothman Institute 8k: Saturday, November 18, 10:45 a.m. kickoff

Wheelchair/Handcycle race times for above three races: 3-5 minutes prior to official start times

Kids Fun Run: Saturday, November 18, noon kickoff

Where To Watch

While the routes for each of the four races are a little bit different, spectators can get a good view of all of them from the Benjamin Franklin Parkway between the Philadelphia Museum of Art area to LOVE Park and along parts of Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive on the west side of the Schuylkill River.

Check out the course maps for the complete routes of each race. Read on for our picks for the prime spectating spots, below.

(Photo by M. Edlow for Visit Philadelphia)

One of the most historic races in the nation, the Philadelphia Marathon covers fast and mostly flat terrain, crossing the heart of Philadelphia and some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including Independence Hall (shown).

22nd Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway

All of the races start at 22nd Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and finish nearby at the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. If you’re trying to simplify your spectating planning, show up early and find a spot in that area.

Philadelphia’s Historic District

For those primarily interested in seeing the marathon and half-marathon, we recommend taking in some historic scenery at the same time. Since these two races circle the area and cross sections of Race Street before continuing south, Philadelphia’s Historic District serves as a great place to watch the action.

The half-marathon runs by attractions including Independence Mall, the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall and then continues on, weaving its way by the National Museum of American Jewish History, Benjamin Franklin’s grave, the National Constitution Center and the United States Mint — all in the first few miles.

Meanwhile, the full marathon runs by spots including Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church and Independence Hall before turning onto Chestnut Street and heading into the heart of Center City.

(Photo courtesy the Philadelphia Marathon)

Cheer on 30,000 runners taking on the Philadelphia Marathon, which winds its way throughout the city.

Along the Schuylkill River

Both the half-marathon and the full marathon routes run along parts of the east and west sides of the Schuylkill River, making that area another great lookout spot. In fact, the full marathon runs on Kelly Drive all the way up into Manayunk, meaning any part of the Schuylkill River Trail on the east side of the river is fair game for taking in the action.

Cheer Zones

Want to make sure you don’t miss the runner(s) you came out to watch? The marathon organizers have called out official fan-friendly cheer zones in the neighborhoods surrounding the race, denoting the approximate time ranges when the majority of runners will pass through each area.

Designated cheer zones include spots like Rittenhouse Square, the Smith Memorial Playground, Reading Terminal Market at 12th and Arch streets and other areas all across the city.

The 26.2-mile marathon goes all the way out to Northwest Philadelphia, including through parts of Manayunk (shown).

Health and Fitness Expo

Every year, the Philadelphia Marathon kicks off with a massive Health & Fitness Expo at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. This year’s two-day vendor showcase takes place on November 17 from noon to 9 p.m. and November 18 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The expo is a must-stop spot for all race participants, as this is where race packets are to be retrieved. However, the free event has plenty to offer to the public, too, showcasing some of the newest running apparel, shoes, accessories and more. A plethora of product samples are also available as are health and fitness demos and onsite experts dishing out advice.

Wishing a cheerful and cheer-filled weekend to all of the runners and fans out there. We’ll see you at the race!

Philadelphia Marathon

When:November 17-19

Where:Runs begin near the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps and end near 22nd and Benjamin Franklin Parkway